Ray McKinnon saw first-hand just how difficult his task will be to turn Falkirk around as the four-times winners crashed out of the Irn-Bru Cup 1-0 at home to Connah's Quay Nomads.
STENHOUSEMUIR made their return to League One as Peterhead simply ran out of players in the play-off tie.
The 38-year-old will be involved because his squad is six players light due to injuries and suspensions.
The early signs are good for the 2016 winners after they defeated Alloa Athletic 2-0 on Saturday, with goals from Marcus Fraser and Craig Curran.
The Forfar players came under close scrutiny when they were pipped for the League Two title by Arbroath on the final day, after losing at home to Annan.
The 6ft 5in stopper made vital saves from Iain Russell and Kieran MacDonald as Alloa squeezed into the Championship play-off final 4-3 on penalties.
Forfar led the table from August 20 until the penultimate Saturday of the season – 11 points clear at one stage – but the Arbroath skipper always felt they could be caught.
Alloa Athletic finally booked their play-off spot with a stylish 6-1 win over Brechin City.
ONWARDS and upwards for Dunfermline Athletic after their narrow in in the Fife derby.
